Antigua and Barbuda's annual Tourism Week will be celebrated from November 23 - 28, under the theme "Realizing the True Potential of the Tourism Industry".

"We feel it is necessary that all sectors recognize the importance of tourism to the economy. This is why we have decided to take the week to look at the new avenues for growth, and to see where the private and public sector, can work together to further develop our tourism product, so that more persons can benefit", said Director General of Tourism, Corthwright Marshall.

Tourism is the main industry in Antigua and Barbuda accounting for over 60% of the GDP and contributing to more than half of total employment within the population. Tourist stay-over arrivals by air, recorded up until October 2008 have amounted to 221160. This is an increase of 3% over the same period last year.

To improve understanding of this main industry, the Ministry of Tourism is inviting individuals from all sectors to participate in the tourism week activities which will start on November 23, with a morning church service at the Kentish Pentecostal Church.

This will be followed by the National Tourism Conference on Monday evening. Minister of Tourism, Harold Lovell will deliver the State of the Industry address and guest speaker Hilary Modeste, Director of Marketing Worldwide for Jolly Beach Resort and Spa, will address those in attendance on the theme "Recognizing the true potential of the Tourism Industry". Other presentations are expected to be made by persons within the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Industry.

On November 25, officials from the Ministry of Tourism along with Industry Stakeholders will interact with students throughout the country during the Hospitality Industry Careers Road Show. Students will have the opportunity to meet with Industry Stars, who will offer them insight into the world of tourism and hospitality.

Barbuda Day, which is scheduled to take place on the Wednesday, will see Tourism Stakeholders, journeying over to the sister island as guests of The Barbuda Council. Visits will be made to Barbuda's historical sites, where recently mounted interpretation signs will be unveiled.

Ministers of Government, along with individuals from various sectors in the economy, will spend Thursday filling in for workers in the tourism industry. This will allow them to have a better understanding of a day in the life of a tourism sector worker. With media following this event, the wider society will also be exposed to the qualities needed by persons wishing to be employed in the tourism industry.

Tourism Week is expected to end with Tourism Marketplace, a new feature to the week of activities. The event which takes place at Botanical Gardens will feature performances by local artistes such as Claudette Peters and Young Destroyer. Fun day activities organized by industry stakeholders will also be held.

For more information on Tourism Week, please contact the Communications Department within the Ministry of Tourism at tel.: (268) - 462-0480.